Your Teeth Are For Life

[Barrie Semp]

Throughout life we are lead to believe it’s normal to lose our teeth as we age. This age-old myth drives many elderly people to stop caring for their teeth and to embrace the so called inevitable process of tooth loss and eventually dentures.

Adult tooth loss is not a natural process, it is often the end result of a destructive disease, a disease which you may be blissfully unaware of.

The truth is that as we get older our teeth become more difficult to care for and usually require a little more attention to detail to ensure they continue to serve us into our golden years.

Perhaps more important is the link between oral health and long-term general health. Oral disease has been linked to a multitude of health conditions such as Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis. It is becoming increasingly apparent that our oral health can present early warning signs for serious health conditions such as HIV and leukaemia so a trip to the dentist may not just save your teeth but also has the potential to save your life.

So how can older patients take care of their oral health?

1. Practice good oral hygiene at home - brush at least twice a day, floss daily, clean your tongue regularly and use an alcohol free mouthwash. If you struggle with using a toothbrush or floss due to a loss in range of motion in your joints, a common problem in arthritis sufferers, consider using an electric toothbrush or long-handled inter-dental brushes to make it easier to clean around your teeth.

2. Choose fluoridated toothpaste- this will help strengthen the enamel on your teeth protecting them from wear and cavities.

3. Replace failing dental work- if you have old fillings or crowns they may be doing more harm than good. Poor fitting or cracked restorations cause food trapping resulting in a higher risk of gum disease and decay.

4. Make sure you have regular periodental treatment if you suffer from gum recession - like tooth loss this is not a natural aging process, it is usually caused by gum disease or by over-zealous brushing.

5. Quit smoking- smokers hugely increase their risk of oral disease.

6. Eat and drink well- avoid snacking on sugary or acidic foods and drinks to minimise tooth damage.

7. Don’t ignore a dry mouth- this condition is very common in elderly patients and it is often ignored. Caused by a reduction in saliva flow this condition can be a side effect of common medications and if left un-treated can cause a variety of dental problems. Drinking plenty of water and using specialised gels can significantly reduce the symptoms of a dry mouth.

8. Visit your dentist regularly- this is the best way to avoid painful and costly problems, if caught early most dental problems can be easily treated. Your dentist can also observe signs and symptoms of conditions that could be effecting your general health and give you help and guidance on dental care in the future.